In 2006, in response to the Elders’ request for action against climate change, Ursula Rakova created the non-governmental organization Tulele Peisa, which means “Sailing in the wind on our own.” Ursula then became Executive Director of the organization, as well as an innovator in the field of law for environmental land defenders. Her work includes the first successful lawsuit in the country where traditional landowners saw their rights recognized in counterpoint to the action of logging companies. More recently she has campaigned for access to education and in the launch of Bougainville Cocoa Net Limited, an organization that helps individuals increase their income. Photo credit: Tulele Peisa
